Dealing with high voltage while performing electrical work can be very dangerous and, when things go wrong, the results can be catastrophic. Of such events, arc blasts are near the top of the list when it comes to the most hazardous. Arc Blasts send a luminous, high voltage current through the air which can reach temperatures well over 30,000 degrees. At such high temperatures, an arc blast can not only cause severe injury or death but can also present a serious fire hazard. That is why it is extra important to recognize such risks and prepare for them in a way that ensures the safety of yourself and those around you.
Arc Blast Hazards
There are three primary hazards associated with
an arc-blast:
Arcing gives off thermal radiation (heat) and intense light, which can cause severe burns. Several factors affect the degree of injury, including the area of skin exposed and type of clothing worn.
A high-voltage arc can produce a considerable pressure wave blast. A person 2 feet away from a 25,000-amp arc feels a force of about 480 pounds on the front of the body. The pressure wave can throw the victim away from the arc-blast and can cause serious ear damage and memory loss due to concussion.
A high-voltage arc can cause the copper and aluminum components in electrical equipment to melt. These droplets of molten metal can be thrown great distances by the pressure wave. Although these droplets harden rapidly, they can still be hot enough to cause serious burns or cause ordinary clothing and nearby materials to catch fire, even at distances of 10 feet or more.
By using the appropriate control methods, the
risk of arc blast can be greatly reduced.
De-energize any equipment that
needs to be worked on. Never use convenience or time constraint as an excuse
for not turning the power off.
Use lockout/tagout practices to
prevent accidental startup while you are performing work.
Test voltage before starting
work to ensure that equipment has been de-energized.
Use the proper personal
protective equipment, such as voltage-regulated gloves, fire resistant clothing
and a face shield. Always use PPE in addition to other safety controls.
If you must work with live
power, make sure that the immediate area is clear of any flammable materials or
explosive vapors or gases that could ignite in the event of an arc.
Extinguishing Electrical Fires
If a fire does break out as a result of an arc
blast or other electrical malfunction it is important to respond with the
proper fire control method.
Use only fire extinguisher with
a Class C rating on electrical fires. Extinguishers meant for other materials
may make electrical fires worse.
Never use water to stop an
electrical fire.
If the fire is beyond your
ability to control, call 911 immediately.
California’s Leader in Insurance and Risk Management
As one of the fastest growing agencies in California, GDI Insurance Agency, Inc. is able to provide its clients with the latest and greatest of what the insurance industry has to offer and much, much more.
We are headquartered in Turlock, CA, with locations across the heart of California’s Central Valley, Northern California and beyond to provide a local feel to the solutions and services we provide our clients. We pride ourselves on exceeding our client’s expectations in every interaction to make sure that our client’s know how much we value and appreciate their business. Contact us today 1-209-634-2929 for your comprehensive contractor insurance quote!
Building and construction projects are complicated with no shortage of things that can go wrong. With everything that can happen during the construction process, it is essential to have the proper insurance in place. Of all of the different insurance coverages to consider, builders risk insuranceis one of the most essential for companies in the construction industry.
While builders risk insurance, also sometimes
referred to as course of construction insurance, is important, it is also very
complex and easily misunderstood. This Coverage Insights
examines what you need to know about builders risk insurance and how it can
protect your company.
What Is Builders Risk Insurance?
Builders risk insurance is a
specialized type of property insurance that is intended to provide protection
for buildings and structures that are under construction. These policies
protect project owners, general contractors and subcontractors against direct
physical loss or damage to covered property.
In many instances, builders risk
policies also provide coverage for materials and supplies that are on-site, in
transit and being stored temporarily at off-site locations if they are intended
to become a permanent part of a building or structure. What’s more, builders
risk policies can be written to include coverage for loss of income and
additional expenses. This coverage would apply if the completion of a project
is delayed due to property damage caused by a covered cause of loss.
Builders risk coverage is a temporary
form of insurance. Coverage applies only during the course of construction,
erection and fabrication. In most cases, builders risk coverage stays in force
until a construction project is accepted by the project owner or once
construction is considered complete. Once construction is completed, it is up
to the owner of the building or structure to secure traditional property
insurance.
Another thing to keep in mind is that
there is no standard form of builders risk insurance. Policies can vary between
insurance companies, and, in many instances, the coverage terms of a builders
risk policy can be negotiated. In most cases, builders risk policies are
written on an “all risk” basis. This means that coverage applies for all causes
of loss except those specifically excluded by the policy.
What Am I Protected From?
This insurance can cover a wide range of causes of property damage. The exact parameters of your policy may vary, but in general, builders risk insurance includes coverage for the following causes of property damage:
Fire
Wind
Hail
Theft
Lightning
Explosion
Impact by vehicle or aircraft
Vandalism
It is important to comb over your
policy carefully in order to make sure you are aware of what is and isn’t
covered under your builders risk insurance. Builders risk policies often do not
provide coverage for property damage caused by flaws in design, planning or
workmanship. Other specific exclusions may be included in your policy. While
exclusions vary from policy to policy, the following cases of loss are
typically not covered under builders risk policies:
Property damage caused by employee dishonesty or theft
Property damage caused by earthquakes
Acts of war
Government actions
Mechanical breakdowns
California’s Leader in Insurance and Risk Management
Builders risk insurance is necessary
coverage for many businesses. Remember, we’re here to help you with all of your
construction industry insurance needs. Protect your project, your wallet and
your company by contacting GDI Insurance Agency, Inc. to discuss builders risk
insurance today.
As one of the fastest growing agencies in California, GDI Insurance Agency, Inc. is able to provide its clients with the latest and greatest of what the insurance industry has to offer and much, much more.
We are headquartered in Turlock, CA, with locations across the heart of California’s Central Valley, Northern California and beyond to provide a local feel to the solutions and services we provide our clients. We pride ourselves on exceeding our client’s expectations in every interaction to make sure that our client’s know how much we value and appreciate their business. Contact us today 1-209-634-2929 for your comprehensive Contractors insurance quote!
On Oct. 1, 2019, the Occupational Safety and Health Administration began using a new OSHA Weighting System (OWS) for the 2020 fiscal year, creating OSHA inspection changes. The administration had used its previous weighting system since the 2015 fiscal year.
OSHA hopes that the OWS will encourage the appropriate allocation of resources to support its approach of balancing safety and health in the workplace. The new system is intended to develop and support a management system that focuses enforcement activities on areas where OSHA’s efforts can be most impactful.
OSHA Inspection Changes and Adjustments
The OWS comes with several
adjustments and adaptions compared with its predecessor, including additional
enforcement initiatives, such as site-specific targeting. The new system also
encourages the agency’s field staff to conduct compliance-assistance
activities.
Previously, OSHA inspections were weighted heavily based on the amount of time that they took to conduct. With the OWS, OSHA is hoping to make time less of a factor when weighting the potential impact of an inspection while emphasizing other factors that have an effect on overall workplace safety and health.
The new OSHA Inspection Changes have been formulated based on a working group’s recommendations and evaluation of existing criteria.
What has Changed?
The previous weighting system
measured inspections using enforcement units. The OWS will continue to tally
enforcement units, but will do so based on different factors, such as agency
priorities and the impact of inspections. OSHA hopes that the OWS will further
its goal of taking a balanced approach toward workplace health and safety and
will properly incorporate the three major work elements performed by its field
agents: enforcement activity, essential enforcement support functions and
compliance-assistance efforts.
“Moving forward, inspections will be weighted based on a combination of factors, such as if the inspection targets a highly hazardous workplace, if it is conducted as part of a strategic hazard emphasis program or by the complexity of the inspection.”
According to OSHA, the changes in how inspections will be weighted under the OWS will make it impossible to fairly compare total enforcement units moving forward to numbers from past years. For example, the new system gives additional weight to programmed inspections targeting what the agency calls the “fatal four/focus four,” which refers to the leading causes of workplace fatalities: Falls, struck-by object, electrocutions and caught-in/between.
Under the previous system, the 2016-18 fiscal years consisted of 40,199,
38,692 and 38,760 total enforcement units respectively. If applied to the new
system, those numbers would have all been over 60,000. OSHA does plan to apply
the OWS retroactively for past years and compare both methods in order to
assess the performance and appropriateness of the new system.
OSHA Inspection Changes Moving Forward
Moving forward, OSHA inspections will be weighted based on a combination of factors, such as if the inspection targets a highly hazardous workplace, if it is conducted as part of a strategic hazard emphasis program or by the complexity of the inspection.
Overall, OSHA’s goal for the OWS is to put an emphasis on enforcement
and compliance assistance in order for the agency and its agents to be able to
be proactive in promoting safety and health in the workplace, rather than being
reactive to incidents after they have occurred.
Click here to read OSHA’s official press release regarding the OWS. For additional information from the agency, click here.
California’s Leader in Insurance and Risk Management
As one of the fastest growing agencies in California, GDI Insurance Agency, Inc. is able to provide its clients with the latest and greatest of what the insurance industry has to offer and much, much more.
We are headquartered in Turlock, CA, with locations across the heart of California’s Central Valley, Northern California and beyond to provide a local feel to the solutions and services we provide our clients. We pride ourselves on exceeding our client’s expectations in every interaction to make sure that our client’s know how much we value and appreciate their business. Contact us today 1-209-634-2929 for your comprehensive insurance quote!
What You Need to Know About Contractor Insurance Services
You know that insurance is essential for your construction business, but did you know that not all contractor insurance services brokers are the same? If you tend to compare policies based solely on price and coverage, then you are missing vital services that only select brokers can provide—services that will save you time and money. An expert broker in the construction insurance industry knows that contractors need the right insurance coverage and services that include superior risk control, claims processing and underwriting service.
GDI Insurance Agency, Inc. your contractor insurance services experts! 209-634-2929.
Risk Management Part of our Contractor Insurance Services
Most, if not all, brokers offer some type of risk management control advice as part of their agency’s services. However, the quality and depth of their risk control offerings is the key differentiator. Many brokers will provide only general suggestions and generic safety programs. While those can be useful, a more comprehensive, in-depth risk control program is extremely advantageous for a contractor.
Rather than
relying on general advice, brokers who specialize in the construction industry
can give you tailored industry guidance. The most dedicated brokers will send a
safety specialist to your worksite in order to observe your operations and
create a customized risk control and safety program tailored to your unique
business needs. Only after a broker understands your day-to-day needs and
challenges can he or she provide meaningful solutions.
A good risk
control program should emphasize safety as paramount. Worksite accidents are
expensive, both in terms of claims costs and future premium increases—but also
in hidden costs. You may not realize just how expensive an accident can be:
Loss of profits: Accidents may interrupt work for a time period or
even cause projects to run late. In addition, property damage involved in the
accident may be time consuming and costly to repair.
Soft costs: Accidents may also require manpower to be redirected
away from completing construction work to manage other responsibilities, such
as additional paperwork, meeting with law enforcement or following up on
investigations.
Market image: No one wants to hire a contractor prone to accidents,
and one or two high-profile accidents could give your firm a bad reputation.
Your safety track record is an important component to winning future bids.
Psychological impact: Other employees often have strong reactions
following a serious or fatal accident. They may blame the company for not
protecting their co-worker or may simply need time to deal with the trauma they
witnessed or were a part of. This could impact your retention and ability to
hire quality workers in the future.
These examples
show just how important an effective safety program is, and a good broker will
help you develop comprehensive safety initiatives to address any and all risks
your company faces. Remember, too, that certain safety initiatives are mandated
by law. Plus, many construction insurance policies will only pay claims if you
can demonstrate that your company follows strict health and safety guidelines.
Claims Processing
The aftermath of
an accident can be a stressful and overwhelming time, and you need a broker who
is quick, efficient and knowledgeable with handling claims and helping you
manage the accident site. You may want to consider a broker whose agency has a
local office, to ensure they are familiar with your geographic area and local
nuances that can affect claims processing and settlement. In addition, your
broker should have extensive experience with construction industry claims, so that
your claim is properly handled. A local
broker can also prove more responsive after an accident. You may have to deal
with the media or law enforcement officials, and your insurance representative
can help manage that situation. Some agencies will insist on waiting for a
claim to be processed before visiting the site, but dedicated brokers will be
there immediately to help with preserving evidence, serving as a liaison and
managing the accident site.
Breadth of Insurance Coverage
There are many types of insurance that a contractor needs, and only agents that specialize in the construction industry will be able to ensure that you are fully covered. If your broker takes the time to learn and understand your business operations and the unique risks of your company, he or she will be able to put together a comprehensive coverage package. Beyond the standard general liability insurance, commercial auto insurance, workers’ compensation insurance and excess liability and property insurance coverages, you may benefit from marine, professional liability, surety coverage and more.
Your broker
should know how to coordinate your various policies to ensure that there are no
gaps in coverage. When a claim occurs, a good broker will help liaise with the
carriers to sort out who will handle the claim. Some policies may have
exclusions that your broker should be aware of and can address with an
alternative solution, such as a general liability policy that has a pollution
exclusion. If you work in multiple states, that also may have implications for
your coverages. Your broker must understand and manage all of these aspects to
ensure that you are appropriately covered.
Another risk issue in the construction industry is subcontractors. You should be able to count on your broker to advise you on how to handle that relationship to best protect yourself. For instance, you may be sued for mistakes made by a subcontractor. So, in addition to including an indemnity clause in your contract, you may want to require the subcontractor to add you to their commercial general liability policy as an additional insured. A good broker will also assist you in handling any claims that arise due to a subcontractor’s mistake, which can potentially be messy and confusing.
Underwriting Service
Underwriting can
hold up the quoting process when putting together a coverage package. However,
brokers who have relationships with carriers and underwriters they trust can
work to ensure the quickest turnaround time for a quote. Though this
behind-the-scenes exchange normally does not impact you directly, agents who
work with reliable, responsive underwriters can save you time when quoting a
renewal or new policy.
Obtaining contractor insurance services should be a strategic component of your business. Developing a comprehensive insurance program to support your unique business needs is not something just any broker can deliver. At GDI Insurance Agency, Inc., we specialize in construction insurance and our dedicated agents are committed to learning your business and developing a customized insurance and safety plan for you. Contact GDI Insurance Agency, Inc. today 209-634-2929.
California’s Leader in Insurance and Risk Management
As one of the fastest growing agencies in California, GDI Insurance Agency, Inc. is able to provide its clients with the latest and greatest of what the insurance industry has to offer and much, much more.
We are headquartered in Turlock, CA, with locations across the heart of California’s Central Valley, Northern California and beyond to provide a local feel to the solutions and services we provide our clients. We pride ourselves on exceeding our client’s expectations in every interaction to make sure that our client’s know how much we value and appreciate their business. Contact us today 1-209-634-2929 for your comprehensive contractor insurance quote!
When managing a bilingual workforce, finding ways to ensure proper communication is critical to maintaining a productive and safe workplace. Language and cultural barriers that emerge in a bilingual workforce can contribute to miscommunication and on-the-job accidents and injuries. Because employees that do not speak English generally hesitate to ask for help when they do not understand, it is essential to have the necessary resources available to communicate information.
Offering Orientation to Your Bilingual Workforce
Orientation
should be offered in the worker’s native language, if possible. Bilingual
trainers in human resources or senior positions can serve a dual role, acting
as translators at orientation and workplace presentations and safety meetings
throughout the year.
Language and Workplace Injuries
To promote
worker safety, you should post signage and communication materials in the
language in which your employees are fluent. For Spanish language compliance
assistance, OSHA offers a variety of free, health and safety materials at: http://www.osha.gov/dcsp/compliance_assistance/index_hispanic.html
In addition to
printed safety materials, provide information about wages, medical insurance
and employee policies. It is beneficial
to first evaluate employees’ level of education, job duties and common
injuries, as well as culture and background, and then adapt your safety programs
and communications materials accordingly.
Consider
professional translation of your materials. If you have Spanish speaking
employees, ensure the materials are translated into the most prominent dialect,
and ask a native speaker to review the material for accuracy before
distributing companywide. The standard translation fee ranges from $10 to $20
per page, but is well worth the expense when weighed against the risk of
workplace accidents due to poor communication or understanding.
On-Site Education
To develop and
retain skilled workers, you may want to consider offering on-site language
classes to help your workers build communication skills. Offering learning
opportunities at work is convenient for the worker and encourages learning in a
team environment.
Safety Standards for Your Bilingual Workforce
On the safety front,
keep in mind that new immigrants may not understand the importance of following
U.S. safety standards. If hand tools are not functional, or if they notice a
hazard or imminent danger on site, for example, they may hesitate to bring the
issue to a supervisor’s attention with the worry that their job is on the line.
The worker should understand that properly reporting problems is a behavior to
be rewarded, and will not cost them a job.
Stay in Touch
Plan to make
regular, frequent visits with your bilingual employees, making sure to touch on
safety issues in the workplace, and encouraging them to ask about any doubts or
issues they may be encountering on the job. To create a welcoming environment
for all employees, work to develop a company culture that promotes and supports
diversity as a core value of the organization.
California’s Leader in Insurance and Risk Management
As one of the fastest growing agencies in California, GDI Insurance Agency, Inc. is able to provide its clients with the latest and greatest of what the insurance industry has to offer and much, much more.
We are headquartered in Turlock, CA, with locations across the heart of California’s Central Valley, Northern California and beyond to provide a local feel to the solutions and services we provide our clients. We pride ourselves on exceeding our client’s expectations in every interaction to make sure that our client’s know how much we value and appreciate their business. Contact us today 1-209-634-2929 for your comprehensive business insurance quote!
For information
about protecting your company against liability exposures, contact the experts
at GDI Insurance Agency, Inc..
Even quality workmanship is not immune to potential claims of property damage or bodily injury. All operations carry the risk that injury or damage may occur as a result of the work, leading to costly lawsuits. Completed operations liability and obligations can be difficult to sort out. Considering the complicated mix of contractors and subcontractors that contributes to each project, who is liable for this risk?
Defining Responsibility
In insurance terms, “your work” as used in an insurance policy is a broadly defined term that includes operations performed by the policyholder or on the policyholder’s behalf, including material, parts or equipment in connection with the operations. Operations or work performed on behalf of the policyholder means work done by a subcontractor is considered the contractor’s work. Therefore, faulty electrical work performed by an electrician that causes a fire or other damage could be considered the contractor’s liability, but would be covered under a standard commercial general liability insurance policy.
Contract Requirements
Because a contractor or other involved party could be held liable for defects in a subcontractor’s work years after it has been completed, and filing the claim under the contractor’s Commercial General Liability Insurance policy could cause the premium to rise. Many construction contracts require subcontractors to provide insurance coverage for claims resulting from their completed work for a finite period of time, typically the one- to five-year range. Typical contracts also require that the subcontractor name the owner, the architect, the general contractor and other third parties as “additional insured” parties, entitled to coverage under the insured subcontractor’s Commercial General Liability Insurance policy. Naming additional insured parties requires a separate endorsement to that policy. Completed operations liability and obligations should be determined within your contract.
Contract Implications for Completed Operations Liability and Obligations
This means that
as a subcontractor, you can be held liable for claims of property damage or
bodily injury resulting from a defect in your work. It is also critical to
maintain this coverage into the future; failure to do so could lead to a breach-of-contract
lawsuit brought by the contractor or other party.
It is important
to understand this commitment when signing the contract–the insurance
commitment doesn’t end with the project. Furthermore, in the event of a large
claim, the subcontractor could be faced with a substantial increase in premiums
on the policy.
Reducing Risk
To avoid
litigation, it is crucial to know local regulations and adequately document
proper performance. Know your company’s documentation practices relative to
each subcontract, and carefully keep records of all processes.
Respecting the Contract
It is crucial for subcontractors to respect this requirement if included in the contract. Failure to do so could result in breach-of-contract lawsuits. Naming additional insured parties can be complicated, and it is very important to work closely with GDI Insurance Agency, Inc. to ensure that your contractual obligations are satisfied.
California’s Leader in Insurance and Risk Management
As one of the fastest growing agencies in California, GDI Insurance Agency, Inc. is able to provide its clients with the latest and greatest of what the insurance industry has to offer and much, much more. We are headquartered in Turlock, CA, with locations across the heart of California’s Central Valley, Northern California and beyond to provide a local feel to the solutions and services we provide our clients. We pride ourselves on exceeding our client’s expectations in every interaction to make sure that our client’s know how much we value and appreciate their business. Contact us today 1-209-634-2929 for your comprehensive insurance quote!
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